How to Make a Coal Bed for Warmth
Making a coal bed for warmth allows you to enjoy camping outdoors -- even without a tent or other gear. This method for making a warm bed keeps you warm for beach camping, winter camping, learning outdoor survival techniques in your backyard, and even for wilderness survival in an emergency. Because wood -- especially hardwood such as oak, walnut, madrone and eucalyptus -- creates long-lasting coals, a coal bed can keep you warm all night. With a few basic supplies, you can apply this technique anywhere it's legal to do so. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel, ideally a folding shovel designed for camping
- Firewood
- Sticks or dry weeds for kindling
- Matches
- Sleeping bag or two blankets
Instructions
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Trace a rectangle on the ground 6 inches longer and 10 inches wider than your body. Dig a trench at least 10 inches deep. Spread the removed dirt with the back of your shovel to help it dry out. If it's sand or very dry soil, you can leave it in a pile.
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Fill the trench with dry wood. Add small sticks or dried grass on top for kindling. Light the fire.
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Let the fire burn for several hours, until only hot coals remain. When you're ready to make camp, 45 minutes to an hour before you want to use the coal bed, shovel the soil or sand on top of the coals. Use the back of the shovel to make the coal bed level on the top.
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Use soft plant material such as leaves or mulch on and around the coal bed for added insulation and comfort. Stacking large branches and your gear on the windward side of the coal bed can create a wind break. Lick your finger and hold it up in the air if you aren't sure which direction the wind is blowing. The side of your finger that feels cold from the wind is the windward side.
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Cover the coal bed with your sleeping bag or a blanket. Slip into your sleeping bag or cover yourself with a second blanket for a toasty night's sleep. The coal bed continues to radiate heat throughout the night.
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Tips & Warnings
Certain camping areas prohibit collecting wood to protect the environment. Bring your own firewood along. Stores in camping areas usually carry firewood.
Choosing a camping spot in the sand or where the earth is soft makes it easier to dig. Avoid areas directly under trees because of tree roots and fire risk.
Twist pieces of paper and light them to get a fire started if you don't have dry kindling.
In a winter camping or survival situation, seek the most sheltered area you can for making a coal bed, such as next to a large rock or earth mound that will give protection from the elements. This technique can conserve your body heat if you need to sleep outside in an emergency.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Always let someone know exactly where you're going when you go hiking or exploring.
Only burn wood where it's permitted. Many parks and public lands prohibit fires except in designated fire rings. Certain camping areas prohibit collecting wood, in order to protect the environment. Bring your own firewood along. Some locations, such as areas with drought conditions or high fire risk, prohibit fires throughout entire regions. Obey all applicable laws.
Resources
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